Showing posts with label Josh Green. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Josh Green. Show all posts

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Students' test scores rising, union boss heads to trial, 65 earthquakes on Mauna Loa in 24 hours, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Academic proficiency in Hawaii’s public schools improves but lags pre-pandemic levels. Hawaii’s public school students are starting to climb out of the academic slump caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with last year’s return to full in-person learning helping to push up test scores and other measures, according to the annual Strive HI report released Wednesday by the state Department of Education.  Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Conservative Super PAC Jumps In To Hawaii Governors Race. You may have seen some unsolicited text messages recently that start something like this: “Are you done with corrupt politicians like Josh Green?” The text messages and the website they link to are part of a campaign by a new super PAC called Hawaii Conservatives, created by first-time GOP candidate Tim Dalhouse and longtime conservative strategist Joel Borgquist, who has worked on campaigns in Virginia and Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Candidates for governor go head-to-head on controversial issues of abortion, gun control. The candidates for governor are accusing each other of inciting fear and being misinformed on heated issues. As the front-runner, Democrat Josh Green has gotten aggressive on the abortion issue by attacking Republican Duke Aiona, who calls himself pro-life from conception to death, but says he respects the law giving a woman a right to choose. Hawaii News Now.

After years of delays, former union leader accused of misusing funds to head to trial. Three years after his arrest, a former union leader accused of corruption will finally get his day in court this week. The feds have charged former IBEW Local 1260 leader Brian Ahakuelo and his relatives with 70 counts of fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy, money laundering and embezzlement for misusing on union funds to pay for lavish salaries and perks. He’s also accused of rigging union votes to increase dues to pay for those salaries and benefits. Hawaii News Now.

Head of Hawaii’s biggest public workers union blames bureaucracy for hiring shortages. The Executive Director of the Hawaii Government Employees Association, Randy Perreira, said city and state human resources systems need to be overhauled and modernized. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii to host start of global economic conference. The East-West Center in Manoa will host the informal senior officials meeting in December to kick off the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference hosted by the U.S., according to an official with the U.S. Department of State. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii residents 5 and over urged to get updated COVID-19 booster. The Hawaii Department of Health recommends the COVID-19 bivalent boosters for everyone age 5 and older in the state. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Hawaii health officials report 1,047 new COVID-19 infections, 5 coronavirus-related deaths. The state’s average positivity rate declined to 5.6% compared with 6.3% reported the previous week, and back to about where it was on Sept 28. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City wants to redirect funds from traffic fines. The Honolulu City Council wants to change where money from traffic fines ends up. The hope is to give more of it to county law enforcement. Currently, money from traffic fines goes to the state. KHON2.

Prep work for rail accelerates along Nimitz Highway. While businesses along Dillingham Boulevard brace for the start of utility relocation work, the process has already begun on the last leg of the project from Iwilei to Cooke Street. Hawaii News Now.

Rail ‘hammerhead’ crack reports overdue, incomplete. Two highly anticipated reports on the extent of hairline cracks in the city rail system’s overhead “hammerhead” supports — and what should be done about them — were due Sept. 30 but still are not complete after a series of extensions. Star-Advertiser.

Health department prepares as Navy set to drain Red Hill fuel lines. The Navy is preparing to “unpack” or drain the fuel lines at its Red Hill bulk fuel storage facility. It’s the first step in permanently draining the massive underground installation. Hawaii Public Radio.

A group of nonprofit agencies at the Kawailoa Youth and Family Wellness Center will be getting a hefty infusion of cash over the next eight years. The program, managed by Partners in Development, is designed to end youth incarceration, was one of five big winners of grant money from the Kellogg Foundation’s global challenge for racial equality. Hawaii News Now.

DOH cites developer for storm water runoff at unpermitted construction site in Kailua. The state Department of Health has cited an Arizona-based developer for storm water runoff and lack of erosion control measures at an unpermitted construction site in Kailua. DOH said Wednesday it issued a notice of violation and order with a $14,000 penalty to Arcus Secured Loan Fund III LLC for failing to obtain a water pollution permit and discharging storm water runoff from the site on Old Kalanianaole Road. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Board: Nonresponsiveness is not an ethics violation. A non-response from government officials to emails and telephone calls isn’t necessarily a violation of the ethics code, the county Board of Ethics said Wednesday in denying a resident’s call to penalize 14 top officials for ignoring his warnings about what he saw as the danger of face masks and vaccines during the coronavirus pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiʻi County received 44 applications for police chief. The Hawaiʻi County Police Commission has directed the county’s Human Resources Department to not release the identities of the applicants during this phase in the search process. Big Island Now.

‘Dredge everything’: Preferred plan is to remove almost the entire beach blocking Pohoiki Boat Ramp. The black sand beach at Pohoiki will be almost entirely removed in order to reopen the Pohoiki Boat Ramp, engineers confirmed Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

65 earthquakes at Mauna Loa in the past 24 hours. Earthquake activity continues to increase at Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano. Mauna Loa is not erupting, and experts said an eruption is not imminent. KHON2.

Staffing crisis forces hospital’s cancer center to turn away new patients. Kona Community Hospital has temporarily stopped accepting new patients in its medical oncology and chemotherapy infusion clinics, forcing those needing care to travel to Waimea, Hilo or Honolulu for treatment. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Voters To Decide On Removal Of $1,000 Cap For Civil Fines. The proposed charter amendment would give the County Council more flexibility to set violation penalties by ordinance. Civil Beat.

Update on West Maui Hospital to be presented in Council committee on Monday. The Maui County Council’s Human Concerns & Parks Committee will host a discussion Monday, Oct. 17, 2022 on the current status of the West Maui Hospital and Medical Center. Maui Now.

Kauai

Search ends for missing swimmer. Jaren Asalele, 19, of American Samoa, was last seen on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 8, swimming at Kalihiwai Beach on the North Shore when he became distressed. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Little fire ants detected at Wailua River State Park. A new population of little fire ants in Wailua River State Park has been confirmed, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources said in a statement on Wednesday. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Abortion travelers protected in Ige executive order, Russian hackers target Hawaii airport websites, state to add recycled plastic to asphalt, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige’s executive order adds abortion protections. Out-of-state residents who obtain abortions in Hawaii, as well as anyone who assists them, are provided with greater protections from civil and criminal penalties that their home states may try to impose under an executive order issued by Gov. David Ige on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Associated Press. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Whoever Wins, Hawaii’s Gubernatorial Candidates Offer A New Style Of Communication. Outgoing Gov. David Ige sometimes stumbled with his messaging, leading to criticism over his handling of the pandemic and the Legislature. His reputation as a a quiet problem solver who does not crave the spotlight came to the fore amid the coronavirus pandemic, leading to complaints about conflicting messages and miscommunications as his administration struggled to control the situation. Civil Beat.

Former U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard officially no longer a Democrat. Former U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard — who seemingly long ago was considered a rising, progressive political star — burned her final bridge with Democrats in Hawaii and around the country by announcing she was leaving the party and asking other Democrats to join her. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News. KHON2. KITV4.

Pro-Russia hackers target Hawaii airport websites, state officials say. The Hawaii Office of Homeland Security and the Office of Enterprise Technology Services are responding to a hacking incident on the websites of Hawaii airports that is “possibly linked to similar incidents across the country” carried out by the Russia-based hacker group Killnet, officials said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Maui Now. KHON2.

State receives over $305M to improve transportation infrastructure. Officials said the money will give transportation leaders the flexibility to determine how to allocate funds to improve transportation infrastructure. The funds will go towards rebuilding roads, bridges and tunnels, tackling carbon emission reduction, as well as other safety improvements. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Department of Transportation testing asphalt mixes designed to improve pavement, environment. The Hawaii Department of Transportation began paving a road in Ewa Beach with a mix of plastic and asphalt Tuesday in a test that, if successful, could lead to more sustainable roadways and less trash in the islands. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Researchers call for deeper look into the harmful effects of sunscreen. UH Manoa researchers said coral reefs around the world are threatened by five stressors including sea surface temperature, ocean acidification, tropical storms, land use and human population. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Voting explainer: Honolulu charter amendment ballot questions. Voters on Oʻahu will consider four charter amendment proposals about how city money and revenues are spent, as well as how to position the city for better decision-making in the future. Hawaii Public Radio.

Aiona and Green differ on 2 major unfinished projects: Aloha Stadium and Honolulu rail. Gov. David Ige has thrown the stadium redevelopment a curve by turning against the idea of having a partnership with private developers of an adjoining entertainment district. But the men out to replace him have other ideas. Hawaii News Now.

Public opening nears for Ewa Beach lagoon, surfing wave pool. A 52-acre recreational lagoon and shoreside commercial development featuring a surfing wave pool and restaurants in Ewa Beach is slated to open for initial public use early next year. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

3 Hawaiian Electric workers suffer burns while working on underground power line. Three Hawaiian Electric Co. employees suffered first- and second-degree burns while working on an underground power line near Pensacola Street Tuesday morning. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

The Miske Files: Accused Murderer, Crime Boss And … Used Car Dealer? Alleged kingpin Michael Miske owned a business that bought used cars at auction, providing income, a way to launder drug money and rewards for criminal associates, prosecutors say. Civil Beat.

Honolulu to expand free COVID testing to all Hawaii residents at airport lab. Starting this Saturday, all Hawaii residents — not just Oahu residents with a valid ID — will be able to receive a free PCR or rapid antigen test at the City’s Mobile Lab. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

EIS for aquarium fish collecting approved. The agency charged with protecting the state’s natural resources has approved an environmental impact statement allowing the harvesting of tropical fish for the aquarium industry despite ongoing litigation over the issue. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News.

Beach parks to close for archeological preservation, ADA work. Laaloa Beach Park and Magic Sands Beach Park will close starting Oct. 31 for up to eight months for an array of improvements. West Hawaii Today.

Work On Waikōloa Intersection Safety Improvements Begins October 17. Motorists can expect delays, one lane traffic, and flaggers will be directing traffic, officials say. Work is set to take place from October to December 2022. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

KCCF seeks cupping competition entries.
Submissions for the 2022 Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Cupping Competition Coffee are due by 4 p.m. Oct. 31. All coffee entered into the competition must be 100% Kona coffee grown in the district of Kona. West Hawaii Today.

East Hawaii lacked rain in September. The last month of the dry season was emphatically so for the windward Big Island, and the National Weather Service’s only official rain gauge to measure rainfall in double-digits in September was in Kona’s coffee belt, which experiences its rainy season in the summer. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Voters To Decide On A Measure To Boost Access To Government Records. Fees and charges have in the past priced citizens out of accessing their government’s records. One of the measures that will be on the ballot for the Nov. 8 election asks if the County Charter — the document that serves as Maui County’s constitution — should be changed to make it so county employees must try to help citizens find the best way to ask for government records and keep any fees for producing those documents as low as possible. Civil Beat.

Long-debated bill to protect birds from lighting passes. Measure restricts certain outdoor lighting to keep wildlife from getting disoriented. Surviving a late request to be sent back to a Maui County Council committee for a second time, an outdoor lighting bill that was hotly debated for months passed second and final reading on Monday. Maui News.

Input sought for management of Kamehamenui Forest Reserve on Maui. The Trust for Public Land purchased 3,433 acres of property in upland Kula from the Shizuka Asakawa Revocable Trust in July 2020 and conveyed the property to the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife in 2020. Now the department is developing a management plan and is inviting the public to attend a public scoping meeting to gather input and ideas, and address any questions or concerns. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Maui council approves resolution to acquire 45 acres of A&B lands. Mayor Michael Victorino expressed appreciation to the Maui County Council for approving resolutions accepting the dedication of 45 acres of land from A&B Properties for parks and open space.  The acquisition was finalized at the councilʻs meeting that adjourned on Monday. Maui Now.

Water system planned for future Waikapu homestead community. Pu‘unani Homestead Subdivision would eventually have 161 residential lots. Maui News.

Kauai

Coco Palms ownership open to sale. The current owners of Coco Palms said Tuesday that they are willing to entertain offers to purchase the site of the dilapidated hotel. Garden Island.

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Gubernatorial candidates clash over abortion, legislative standards commission proposes term limits, Mauna Loa backcountry closes amid seismic activity, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii gubernatorial candidates Green, Aiona clash over abortion in debate. Lt. Gov. Josh Green and former Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona sparred Wednesday night over the issues of abortion and whether to legalize recreational marijuana in their first televised debate to help decide who will become Hawaii’s next governor. Aiona is making his third run for the governor’s office as the Republican Party’s nominee, but faces formidable hurdles against Green, a Democrat. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Reluctant Standards Commission Proposes Term Limits For Hawaii Lawmakers. The panel also forwarded a bill on legislative meetings but will take more time to examine proposals on public records, meetings and a state voters guide. Civil Beat.

VA secretary says staff shortages are being addressed to better serve Hawaii’s veterans, some of whom face obstacles to treatment. The head of the Department of Veterans Affairs testified on Oahu Wednesday about the state of health services in Hawaii and issues including staff shortages, women’s care and complaints from community clinic providers about payments. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

HTA contract extended 6 months as dispute nears resolution. The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism said in a news release today that there is a “pathway towards a resolution” between the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement and the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, two parties involved in the conflict. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

First-ever conference prepares Department of Education staff for safety crisis. Wednesday was the final day of the three-day conference featuring national experts that aimed to guide department leaders and staff members in preventing, identifying and responding to various threats to school safety. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers urge Kaiser to resolve strike, improve mental health care. More than a dozen state lawmakers are urging Kaiser Permanente to come to an agreement with its mental health clinicians who have been striking for more than a month. The workers, represented by the National Union of Healthcare Workers, say that severe understaffing has put their patients’ health at risk and Kaiser needs to boost salaries and benefits to attract more employees. Star-Advertiser.

New booster shots urged as case counts plateau. The average number of daily COVID-19 cases remains steady as health officials continue to urge people to get a bivalent booster shot ahead of the winter season. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii health officials report 1,273 new COVID-19 infections, 8 deaths. The state’s average positivity rate, meanwhile, increased to 6.3% compared with 5.7% reported the previous week. Star-Advertiser. KHON2

Oahu

Honolulu Ballot Proposal Would Steer Money To Affordable Housing. Proponents of a measure to dedicate money to Honolulu’s housing fund see it as an opportunity to help solve Oahu’s affordable housing shortage. Critics, meanwhile, say there are better ways to achieve that goal: chiefly by following the standard budgeting process in which the City Council decides how to spend money each year. Civil Beat.

City council appoints building lobbyist to planning commission
. The Honolulu City Council confirmed a construction industry lobbyist to the Honolulu Planning Commission on Wednesday, despite concerns over his reappointment. Star-Advertiser.

Taxpayers will fund legal defense for officers accused of chasing car that crashed, failing to render aid. The Honolulu Police Commission has decided taxpayers will fund the defense of two Honolulu police officers accused of chasing a car that crashed and then failing to render aid. Officers Jake Bartolome and Erik Smith remain on restricted duty as the city Prosecutor’s Office investigates the allegations that the two did not stop to help the victims ― teens and adults who were seriously injured. Hawaii News Now.

Liquor control executives deny culture of retaliation, calling allegations ‘baseless’. The Honolulu Liquor Commission was accused of ignoring a culture of retaliation Wednesday as the City Council called on the commission to find ways to restore the public trust. The commission has been accused of discrimination against LGBTQ businesses and retaliation against others who complained about liquor inspectors. Hawaii News Now.

One month in, improvements seen under Waikiki ‘Safe and Sound’ initiative. Early Wednesday morning, police swept the area. Even during the day, they kept people from loitering. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Mauna Loa summit backcountry closed after increased seismic activity. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park officials have closed the Mauna Loa summit backcountry because of increased seismic activity but say an eruption is not imminent. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers OK resolution calling for relocation of HCCC.
The Hawaii County Council and a state oversight commission agree that the Hawaii Community Correctional Center should be moved to a different location. Tribune-Herald.

Council passes bill aimed at AVs. The Hawaii County Council Wednesday signed off on a bill that’ll help private property owners rid their land of abandoned or derelict vehicles. West Hawaii Today.

Council endorses Keauhou Bay land purchase.
The last open piece of property on Keauhou Bay could soon belong to the public, following approval Wednesday by the County Council to purchase the parcel using property tax proceeds. West Hawaii Today.

UH-Hilo enrollment dips again. Enrollment for the University of Hawaii at Hilo declined again this year by 8.2%. Total enrollment for Fall 2022 is listed at 2,977 students, or 266 fewer than those enrolled in Fall 2021. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Community meetings planned for Koa Waena affordable housing project in Kihei. The Public is invited to community meetings this weekend to learn more about the new Koa Waena affordable housing project by developer Peter Savio in Kīhei. Savio plans to break ground on the project later this year. Maui Now.

Maui sees decline in visitors at end of busy summer season. In the last month of a bustling summer that prompted airport officials to try and cut down on wait times, a total of 265,410 visitors arrived on Maui Island and spent $472.9 million, according to recent reports by the state and Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui News.

Maui median home price in September rises to $1,025,000, up 3% from same time. Overall inventory of single homes for sale ended the month at 249, up 7.8% from September 2021, boosting the month’s inventory by 45% compared to the same time last year. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i council approves first-of-its-kind sea level rise bill. With a unanimous county council vote, Kaua‘i is set to become one of the first counties in the nation to regulate construction based on future sea level rise projections. Garden Island.

Queen’s Bath access closed for winter. Effective now, the access gate to Queen’s Bath in Princeville is closed through winter, in the interest of public safety, according to a county press release. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Counties grapple with gun laws, former Honolulu chief plans examiner to plead guilty to accepting bribes, Aiona lags in campaign funds, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Photo by Andrey Zvyagintsev via Unsplash
PC: Andrey Zvyagintsev via Unsplash
Honolulu police receive feedback on gun-carrying rules. More than 50 testifiers showed up at the first-floor conference room of the Honolulu Police Department’s Alapai headquarters at 10 a.m. Tuesday to weigh in on proposed rules that would govern the issuance of licenses allowing people to carry guns in public. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Council panel sees firearm bill as too restrictive: Committee seeks to whittle down list of prohibited places. Hawaii County’s first shot at drafting an open or concealed carry gun law was deemed too restrictive Tuesday by a majority of County Council members after dozens of testifiers weighed in, the vast majority opposing the measure on constitutional grounds. West Hawaii Today.

Latest Campaign Finance Report Shows Duke Aiona Is Struggling To Raise Cash. Democrat Lt. Gov. Josh Green raised more money since mid-August for his campaign for governor than the Republican nominee has raised all year. Civil Beat.

OHA report casts critical eye on Hawaiian nonprofit’s management of public funds. The OHA report found that 37 out of 50 grants its auditors randomly selected didn’t fully comply with OHA’s documentation requirements. One former Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee said the report raises questions about favoritism. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-19 wastewater report shows drop in cases. The Hawaii Department of Health’ s inaugural wastewater surveillance report for COVID-19 compares the concentration levels of coronavirus in wastewater with clinical COVID cases, using data provided by Biobot Analytics of Cambridge, Mass., as part of a national wastewater surveillance program. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. KHON2. KITV4.

With fentanyl overdoses on the rise, head of drug task force pushes for Narcan in all Hawaii classrooms. Hawaii Keiki Nurses ― the only ones who carry it ― mostly work at campuses on Oahu. There are 54 of the professionals statewide; meanwhile, Hawaii has 295 public schools. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Former Honolulu Chief Building Examiner Will Plead Guilty To Bribery. Former chief building examiner Wayne Inouye previously pleaded not guilty to charges of accepting bribes while working in the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting. Between 2012 and 2017, federal prosecutors say Inouye accepted over $100,000 from customers in exchange for expediting permits through the city’s notoriously slow bureaucracy. Civil Beat.

Intrusive drones posing a threat, Honolulu Fire Department says. Lately when the Honolulu Fire Department has responded to rescues and fires, it has encountered an increase in unwelcome flying objects: “rogue drones.” Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Why Tour Groups Are Barred From Stopping At Some Honolulu Beaches But Not Others
. The City Council is considering halting commercial activity at Kokololio Beach. Residents and tour companies say beach-by-beach bans push the problem down the road and don’t solve the overall problem. Civil Beat.

A Sunset Beach property owner is cited for dumping concrete on the public beach. A Sunset Beach homeowner appears to have dropped large amounts of concrete onto the world-famous beach fronting his property, sparking outrage on social media and eliciting calls for better enforcement of Hawaii’s coastal protection laws. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Internal Memo Reveals List Of Experts Concerned About Honolulu Rail Track Layout
. Multiple experts across the different groups responsible for Honolulu’s transit tracks have strong misgivings about their unusual crossing design, echoing the concerns that a former project consultant raised this summer, according to a newly released internal city memo. Civil Beat.

City leaders introduce ‘anti-bullying bill’ to create safe spaces for Oahu youth. Council member Augie Tulba first introduced “Bill 52″ Tuesday to prohibit bullying on city property and in city programs, such as Summer Fun. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

City takes ownership of Leahi Avenue after community urging. The city has officially taken ownership of Leahi Avenue from a private owner after there was community pushback due to parking fees and food truck activity. Star-Advertiser.

Candidates Face Big Funding Disparities In Some Honolulu Council Races. Campaign finance reports reveal which donors are fueling campaigns and where candidates are focusing their efforts before voting begins later this month.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi County Sees Increase In Hele-On Passenger Trips. The increase in ridership is a result of free fares and the implementation of the 2018 Transit and Multi-Modal Transportation Master Plan, officials say. Big Island Video News.

Solid waste facilities to be closed during Ironman. The return of the Ironman World Championship to the Big Island this week is necessitating the closure of the county’s solid waste facilities because of road closures associated with the triathlon. Big Island Now.

Animal Control Services criticized. Dozens of people turned out Tuesday to voice their frustrations with Hawaii County’s Animal Control Services, only for a planned discussion about those operations to be postponed. Tribune-Herald.

On the wish list: $2M sought for Waikoloa park expansion. Bill 219, introduced by Kohala Councilman Tim Richards, would allocate $2 million for the project that includes improvements to existing infrastructure as well as adding pickleball and tennis courts to the capital budget. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

New analysis: What’s the real cost of Maui’s proposed Charter amendments? A newly released financial impact analysis of proposed Maui Charter amendments shows the county would face $2 million in additional annual financial impacts for an amendment proposal related to the creation of a separate Housing Department dedicated to affordable housing. Maui Now.

Maui Voters To Decide If Planning Commission Should Be More Representative. If approved, the amendment to the County Charter would require the commission to have one member from each residency area on the island as represented on the County Council. Currently the charter does not require regional representation on the commission. Civil Beat.

Charging stations planned for county amid EV push. Maui County is set to receive four electric vehicle charging stations in the next five years as the state pushes to meet a zero emissions clean energy economy by 2045. Maui News.

Final EA published for water tank in Waikapū to serve DHHL Puʻunani Homestead. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has published a final Environmental Assessment with a Finding of No Significant Impact for a 500,000-gallon concrete water storage tank and related improvements in Waikapū, Maui. Maui Now.

Director of Maui County’s new Department of Agriculture sworn in. Rogerene “Kali” Arce was sworn in today as the director of Maui County’s newly established Department of Agriculture. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Kauai

Voting explainer: Kauaʻi County charter amendment ballot questions. Kauaʻi County residents will face four ballot amendment questions on this year's general election ballot. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative commits to 100 percent renewable energy by 2033. This is 12 years ahead of the state mandate requiring utilities shift to 100 percent renewable power by 2045. Garden Island.

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Green and Aiona sharpen differences in gubernatorial race, House has consensus for special session, SecDef to visit Red Hill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

As general election nears, Aiona and Green point out differences on hot-button issues. Lt. Gov. Josh Green and former Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona are dialing up efforts to point out their differences as Hawaii voters prepare to select their next governor in November. Hawaii News Now.

Green calls out Aiona to give clear stance on abortion. On Monday, the Democratic candidate running for governor, Lt. Gov. Josh Green, called out his opposing ticket to release details on how its party intends to protect the reproductive rights of Hawaii women. KHON2.

State House has consensus for special legislative session on Hawaii Supreme Court ruling. The state House of Representatives has the consensus necessary to move forward with a special session of the Legislature to address the Hawaii Supreme Court ruling that preliminary hearings are not a lawful method for charging major felonies including murder. In a letter to Senate President Ron Kouchi and all House members obtained by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, House Speaker Scott Saiki informed senators that over two-thirds of House members agree to convene a special session to address the State v. Obrero decision handed down by the Hawaii Supreme Court Sept. 8. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii lawmakers are drafting bill to create more ways to charge serious felonies. State lawmakers are working on a bill that would give prosecutors more than one way to charge serious felonies after a Sept. 8 Hawaii Supreme Court ruling that preli­minary hearings are not a lawful method for charging major crimes, including murder, robbery and sex assault. Star-Advertiser.

Nonprofit raising awareness about diaper insecurity in the islands. Governor David Ige and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi both signed proclamations recognizing this week as "National Diaper Need Awareness Week". KITV4.

Hawaii public libraries to reopen Tuesday after closing due to ‘unspecified threat’. Hawaii public libraries are expected to reopen Tuesday after an “unspecified threat” closed all locations today, a spokesperson for the Office of the State Librarian said this afternoon. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Has A Shortage Of School Psychologists. National Research Says That’s A Problem. Students in Hawaii were struggling with mental health challenges long before the pandemic, but the state has few school psychologists to help address their needs. Civil Beat.

Russia Gives Citizenship To Ex-Hawaii NSA Contractor Edward Snowden. U.S. intelligence officials have accused him of putting U.S. personnel at risk and damaging national security. He currently faces charges in the United States that could result in decades in prison. Civil Beat.

A ‘very impressive’ feat: Hawaii astronomers laud success of NASA’s asteroid-redirection mission. University of Hawaii astronomers observed with keen interest as a small, unmanned NASA spacecraft purposely crashed into an asteroid in an unprecedented dress rehearsal for the day a killer space rock menaces Earth. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian language speakers are raising the visibility of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi through social media. The growing number of Hawaiian language accounts on social media is sparking discussions on how ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi can take advantage of platforms like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Hawaii Public Radio.

New methods of control: State’s proposals to introduce insects to combat invasive weeds clear environmental hurdle. The state departments of Agriculture and Land and Natural Resources are planning to release on state lands a butterfly with gregarious larvae, Euselasia chrysippe, for biological control of miconia, and a beetle (Syphraea uberabensis) for control of cane tibouchina. Miconia and cane tibouchina are noxious weeds threatening Hawaii’s forests and watersheds. West Hawaii Today.

Seabird fallout season has begun in Hawaii. Seabird fallout season is officially underway, and the Hawaii Wildlife Center is once again asking for the public’s help getting grounded fledglings in flight again. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council Puts Controversial Land-Use Bill On Hold Amid Criticism.
The city’s Department of Planning and Permitting says it needs to review the measure after complaints from property owners about potentially disastrous effects on businesses. Civil Beat.

Defense secretary to visit Red Hill this week.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin this week will visit the Navy’s underground Red Hill fuel facility as the military prepares to defuel and shut down the World War II-era fuel farm, the Pentagon announced Monday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Drills will test first responders with Oahu rail emergency scenarios
. First responders will be tested today and Thursday in how they respond to a potential emergency on the city’s rail line in a run-up to even bigger hypothetical scenarios as the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation conducts drills ahead of paid ridership tentatively planned for early next year. Star-Advertiser.

New Army unit at Fort Shafter will focus on Pacific theater. A new unit focused on the Pacific theater will support the U.S. Army’s operations. The Army’s 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force was activated at Fort Shafter on Oʻahu on Friday. Hawaii Public Radio.

With upgrades at Sand Island wastewater facility, city keeps rising seas in mind. Construction is currently underway on a new warehouse at the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment plant. Hawaii News Now.

Newly Unsealed Documents In Miske Case Tell A Grisly Tale Of Kidnap, Torture And Murder. A federal judge recently ordered prosecutors to make public dozens of search warrants and other documents in the conspiracy and murder trial of alleged crime boss Mike Miske. Civil Beat.

Former TV Anchor And Longtime Activist Face Off In Rural Oahu Senate Race. Gil Riviere and Brenton Awa live about as far apart as political opponents can get on Oahu. Riviere, an incumbent Democrat, has a home in Waialua, about 40 miles away from where Awa, a Republican, lives in Kaneohe. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Council Race: Candidates Vie To Represent Pearl City After Close Primary. Voters will choose between a veteran of Democratic politics in Hawaii and a newer Republican state lawmaker. In the Honolulu City Council election for the area surrounding Pearl City, Republican state Rep. Val Aquino Okimoto is pitching herself as the fresh face voters want while longtime Democratic politician Ron Menor says his decades as a city and state lawmaker will allow him to be effective. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island


Shifting state lease terms frustrates Hilo business owner. A Hilo business owner is pursuing legal action against the state after the Board of Land and Natural Resources voted to change the terms of his lease agreement. Tribune-Herald.

‘Quite a Jewel:ʻ County Offered Chance to Buy Keauhou Bay Property in Kona. Fifteen years ago, Ed and Rhonnie Rapoza could have built two beach homes on waterfront property they owned off Ali‘i Drive in downtown Kailua-Kona. But the owners of Island Land Co. thought the prime real estate should be sold to a particular buyer: the County of Hawaiʻi Big Island Now.

Ironman donates $240K to county for police OT during 2-day race. Ironman is donating almost a quarter-million dollars to the Hawaii Police Department to cover the cost of officer services during the 2022 Ironman World Championship next month. West Hawaii Today.

Waiakea Uka Park draft EA released.
The public has until Oct. 24 to submit comments about proposed improvements to Waiakea Uka Park. Tribune-Herald.

Crisis at Hilo Medical Center puts new spotlight on staffing, bed shortages at Hawaii hospitals.
The patient care crisis at Hilo Medical Center is drawing the attention of lawmakers and helping spur a broader conversation about staffing and bed shortages at hospitals statewide. On Tuesday, state Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chair Jarrett Keohokalole. will tour the Hawaii Island facility to get a first hand look at the overcrowding and staffing shortages. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

New sunscreen ban to take effect Saturday. Maui mineral sunscreen companies are seeing boost in business. Mineral suncare business owners with a passion for the environment are getting excited for when Maui County’s sunscreen ordinance takes effect this week, another push toward protecting the offshore marine habitats. Maui News.

Council appoints new Hawaiian language communications specialist. Following the spring’s annual budget session, the Maui County Council approved the appointment of a Hawaiian Language Communications Specialist on Aug. 5, providing ‘olelo Hawaii as a medium in the council’s public-information efforts. Maui News.

Kauai

Supreme Court: DOW study Flawed. The state Supreme Court turned the tables in the case between the Kaua‘i Department of Water and Kia‘i Wai O Wai‘ale‘ale last week, issuing a ruling in favor of the community group. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi Humane Society: We Need Help. Enter the no-kill Kaua’i Humane Society and you are met with a cacophony of howls and anxious meows from about 200 animals that are crammed inside the 70-year-old facility that is now understaffed and overcapacity. Kauai Now.

Completely senseless’: Kauai crash that killed woman in marked crosswalk spurs state action. A Kauai family plans to take legal action following a crash that killed a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk. Hawaii News Now.

Thursday, September 8, 2022

COVID testing company gives big to Hawaii Democrats, Honolulu permitting chief resigns, Maui police chief cleared, Kauai council gives itself 15% raise, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Why Is Nomi Health Donating To Key Democrats In Blue State Hawaii After Giving Big To GOP? The Utah-based company contributed to the campaigns of six Democrats in Hawaii, including Josh Green and Sylvia Luke, the Democratic nominees for governor and lieutenant governor. USA Today.

Former defense contractor pleads guilty to PPP fraud. A former Hawaii defense contractor changed his plea to guilty in federal court Wednesday, admitting he defrauded banks of more than $22.8 million intended to help businesses struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic. Martin Kao, 49, the former head of Martin Defense Group LLC, formerly known as Navatek LLC, is charged with bank fraud and money laundering. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Marines welcome new commander of Pacific forces. Lt. Gen. Steven Rudder handed the reins of Marine Corps Forces, Pacific to Lt. Gen. William Jurney in a Wednesday morning ceremony at Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay. Star-Advertiser.

Abrupt closure of air ambulance company leaves many in shock. The parent company of LifeSave KuPono shut down the air ambulance service Wednesday, leaving just one air ambulance company serving the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines dropping employee vaccination mandate.
Hawaiian Airlines is removing COVID-19 vaccinations as a requirement for employment effective Oct. 1 and dispensing with other elements of its COVID-19 safety policy. Star-Advertiser.

Researchers emphasize importance of wastewater surveillance to monitor COVID.
After delays in Hawaii’s wastewater monitoring program, DOH officials said they have started processing some wastewater samples to monitor COVID. Hawaii News Now.

New COVID booster shots available as Hawaii case counts decline. Several pharmacies have already started taking appointments for the boosters, while some community health centers are preparing to do so in the coming days. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii will begin offering the bivalent COVID-19 boosters at its facilities Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Health Department reports 1,215 new COVID-19 infections, 11 coronavirus-related deaths this past week. The state’s average positivity rate, meanwhile, continued dropping to 6.4% compared to 7.3% reported the previous week. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Director Of Honolulu’s Troubled Permitting Office Resigns. Mayor Rick Blangiardi appointed Dean Uchida with hopes of streamlining permitting, but delays have gotten significantly worse. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Pentagon speeds up timeline for defueling Red Hill by several months. The U.S. Department of Defense has sped up its timeline for draining the Navy’s underground Red Hill fuel tanks by about five months and now expects that the work can be completed by July 2024. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Honolulu taxi industry wants more control over meter rates. Dale Evans, CEO of Charley's Taxi, has asked the City and County of Honolulu to repeal the ordinance that controls taxi fares — which she says is threatening her business. Hawaii Public Radio.

Another Key Player In The Miske Conspiracy Case Has Made A Deal With Prosecutors. Lance Lee Bermudez is the sixth of the original 10 co-defendants to flip by agreeing to testify against the accused crime boss. Civil Beat.

Thursday parade and festivities to honor Honolulu Little League World Series champions. The city of Honolulu will come together Thursday to honor the Little League World Series Champions -- with a midday parade and festivities on beginning at noon. KITV4. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Affordable housing scandal: Council seeks accounting; defendants fire their lawyers. Hilo attorneys Paul Joseph Sulla Jr. and Gary Charles Zamber, in a Sept. 1 status conference with federal Magistrate Judge Kenneth J. Mansfield, asked that their attorneys be terminated so they can represent themselves. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Bayfront Trails project gets next installment. While the first phase of the project — which connected Mooheau Park, Pauahi Street, the Bayfront canoe hale, and the Bayfront soccer fields — was completed in 2016, work on a second phase to connect Kilauea Avenue to the soccer fields trail built in Phase 1 didn’t begin until earlier this year. Tribune-Herald.

County Works to Set Replacement Schedule for e-Waste Collection Events. While the county’s e-Waste Collection Program remains suspended, county officials say they are working to set a replacement schedule of electronics recycling collection events for the remainder of the calendar year with the reduced state funding available. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Police Commission Finds Complaints Against New Chief ‘Not Substantiated’. Outside investigators were hired to look into several complaints made against John Pelletier, who has hired a coach to address his management style. Civil Beat.

Maui Council committee to consider Energy Conservation Code amendments. Councilmember Kelly Takaya King announced that the Climate, Action, Resilience and Environment Committee, which she chairs, will consider a county-specific version of Hawaiʻi State Energy Conservation Code. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i county council approves 15% raises for mayor, department heads, council members. In a procedure unique among Hawai‘i counties, Kaua‘i County council members unanimously voted Wednesday to approve raises that will likely affect some of their own salaries. Garden Island.

Laukona Park improvements pau. The county’s Department of Parks &Recreation and Cushnie Construction hosted a small group of dignitaries, community supporters and friends to the new pavilion Wednesday, after Sean Chung officiated at the blessing of the Laukona Park Improvements Project in Hanama‘ulu. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Sunday, August 14, 2022

Special election edition: It's Green, Aiona, Luke, Tokuda and a bunch of incumbents, more election news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Josh Green thanks supporters for Democratic gubernatorial primary win PC:Hawaii News Now
Democrat Josh Green and Republican James ‘Duke’ Aiona will face off for Hawaii governor. Democratic Lt. Gov. Josh Green and former Republican Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona are the Nov. 8 general election candidates to become Hawaii’s next governor after Saturday night’s overwhelming party primary election victories. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Democrat Sylvia Luke triumphs, Seaula Tupai grabs GOP spot in race for lieutenant governor. Sylvia Luke has won the six-way Democratic race to be Hawaii’s next lieutenant governor, triumphing over other top contenders Ikaika Anderson and Keith Amemiya. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Jill Tokuda dominates Patrick Branco in runoff for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District. In the contentious race to become the Democratic candidate for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District, Jill Tokuda dominated challenger Patrick Pihana Branco in Saturday’s primary election results, capturing a lead of more than twice as many votes and a berth in the Nov. 8 general election. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

House Speaker Scott Saiki not among losing incumbent lawmakers. A few incumbent Hawaii lawmakers are on a path to being ousted from the Legislature based on near-­complete voting results in Saturday’s primary election. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Kalei Akaka wins Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ Oahu seat; 6 others advance in at-large race. Kalei Akaka cruised to re-election to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees after capturing more than 50% of the vote for the Oahu seat. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Stream of last-minute Hawaii voters turn up in person. Statewide, the only long lines were reported at the voter service center in Wailuku, Maui, according to Nedielyn Bueno, spokesperson for the state Office of Elections. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

All Honolulu City Council races advance to November run-off election. Honolulu City Council District 8 candidates Ron Menor and Val Okimoto are neck-in-neck in the crowded primary race for the open seat. Menor is leading Okimoto by just seven more votes. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island


Inouye bests Acasio in Democrat primary; other state Senate matchups set. State Sen. Lorraine Inouye, whose Paukaa residence was redistricted from Senate District 4 to Senate District 1, cruised to an easy victory Saturday night over District 1 incumbent Laura Acasio in the Democrat primary election. Tribune-Herald.

Evans, Galimba take council races: The District 9, District 6 County Council candidates appear not to face a runoff. With an estimated 90% of votes counted, Naalehu cattle rancher Michelle Galimba appears to have come out on top of a four-way County Council District 6 race, rounding up 54.27% of the votes, enough to win the race outright against contenders Colehour Bondera, Shane Palacat-Nelson and Henry “Bo” Cho III. West Hawaii Today.

Kagiwada, Kusch headed for runoff in Hilo. Two political first-timers, Jenn Kagiwada and Matthias Kusch, will face each other in a runoff election in November for the County Council District 2 seat representing Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

6 incumbents win outright for Hawaii County Council. In the race for Hawaii County’s nine Council seats, all of the six incumbents in the running were reelected Saturday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

It’s Kahaloa, Kennealy in the general election: Former Kanuha aide sweeps Democratic primary. Kirstin Kahaloa swept through the Democratic competition and is headed for a general election matchup against Republican Jonathan Kennealy for the newly created House District 6, holding a commanding 63.3% of the vote, with about 90% of votes counted Saturday. West Hawaii Today.

Kapela to face Goodwin, Last for House District 5. Republican Lohi Goodwin and Libertarian Michael Last will challenge Democratic incumbent state Rep. Jeanné Kapela to represent House District 5. West Hawaii Today.

Slow, steady and smooth: Voters wrap up the primary process. A steady stream of voters came to the West Hawaii Civic Center, where a few voting options were provided to people for Saturday’s primary election. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Incumbent Maui Mayor Michael Victorino to face former judge Richard Bissen in general election. Retired state judge Richard Bissen looks to have a good shot at unseating Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino in a November runoff election after drawing the most votes in Saturday’s mayoral primary election. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now. Maui News.  Hawaii News Now.

DeCoite secures win over Ritte; McKelvey and Walker top Senate District 6 primaries. In the closely watched Democratic primary race for state Senate District 7, incumbent Sen. Lynn DeCoite beat challenger Walter Ritte by a much wider margin on Saturday night. Maui News.

Early Maui County Council results highlight Valley Isle natives, political newcomers. Late Saturday night, Maui native Nohe U’u-Hodgins was ahead in the race for the Maui County Council Makawao-Haʻikū-Pāʻia residency seat, which is being vacated by Council Member Mike Molina, who is running for mayor. Maui Now.

Turnout in Maui County lowest in the state at 25 percent. Lines started forming at the voter service center in Wailuku early on the morning of Election Day as residents hurried to place their votes before the close of voting on Saturday. Maui News.

Kauai

Incumbent Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami easily advances to the Nov. 8 election. Incumbent Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami received a majority of the votes in the primary election for the county mayoral race and will advance to the Nov. 8 general election with first-time candidate Michael Roven Poai. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Carvalho, Evslin, Rapozo top council field.
The crowded field in the county council race was whittled down slightly after the primary election Saturday, with five of 19 candidates eliminated. Garden Island.

Thursday, August 11, 2022

Food trucks could come to state parks, hospitals still at capacity, sea level rise threatens Waikiki beach clubs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Hapuna Beach state park ©2022 All Hawaii News
Agency seeks food truck concessions at state parks. The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks is seeking approval to allow mobile food trucks to operate at 18 state parks across the islands. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

FBI wants to partner with Hawaii businesses, organizations to deter cyberattacks. The Federal Bureau of Investigation wants to partner with Hawaii businesses as part of a nationwide effort to combat the cyberthreat posed by China and other actors working to undermine the U.S. economy and compromise critical infrastructure. Star-Advertiser.

Outside Spending Reaches Historic Levels In Race For Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District.
With the election just days away, special interest groups keep trying to sway the election in their favor. So far they’ve spent nearly $1.4 million. Civil Beat.

Campaign Spending Commission investigates ‘ghost PAC’ supporting Cayetano. The state Campaign Spending Commission on Wednesday voted to conduct further investigation into a so-called “ghost PAC” helping Democratic gubernatorial candidate Vicky Cayetano. The political action committee ― Victory Calls 2022 ― ran television ads in May featuring the comedy duo Da Braddahs, saying Cayetano’s opponent Lt. Gov. Josh Green was not a board-certified physician. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Better Access To Public Records Among Proposals From GOP Candidates For Governor. Transparency and government ethics has taken center stage in many races following high profile corruption cases in Hawaii, including the Republican gubernatorial primary. Civil Beat.

Masks optional for children under age 5 in preschool or child care center. Since the beginning of August, K-12 students have had the option of wearing a mask in school. But preschools and child care centers still had to follow the old guidelines. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii hospitals still at full capacity despite declining COVID-19 case counts. Hawaii hospitals are still struggling with staffing shortages even as the daily average of COVID-19 case counts appears to be on its way down. Star-Advertiser.

Novavax COVID-19 vaccine now available in Hawaii.
The Hawaii Department of Health today announced that scheduling opportunities are now available for the more traditional COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Novavax. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii averaging 50 COVID deaths per month this summer. COVID deaths are still coming in at an alarming rate on the islands. The Hawaii Department of Health reported 14 deaths this week, as the state has averaged 50 deaths per month since May. KHON2.

Hawaii Department of Health reports 3,189 new infections, 14 coronavirus-related deaths. The state’s average positivity rate, meanwhile, continued its downward trend to 12.4%, compared to 13.8% reported the previous week, representing tests performed between Aug. 2 to 8. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Two Of Waikiki’s Oldest Beach Clubs Are Struggling To Come To Grips With Climate Change. In a precursor of business decisions that will become more common, members of the Outrigger Canoe Club have rejected a proposal to extend the club’s lease with its landlord beyond 2055 due to concerns about sea level rise. Civil Beat.

Kailua House Candidates Want To Tame Tourism. A microcosm of the state’s own dilemma, Kailua’s fresh batch of House candidates are strategizing ways to manage guests visiting their slice of paradise. Civil Beat.

Consumer prices still rising in Honolulu, but not as much. Honolulu’s inflation rate ebbed a bit in June and July from the previous two months, but prices for goods and services are still broadly rising, a new government report shows. Star-Advertiser.

In space-cramped Honolulu, community gardens have found new popularity ― and meaning. The city’s community gardens are bursting at the seams and more than 1,000 people are on the waiting list to get a plot of their own, said Honolulu Parks and Recreation spokesperson Nate Serota. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu City Council adopts resolution to enforce rules, address concerns at Keaau Beach Park. Keaau Beach Park, which is past Makaha on the Waianae coast, has its share of problems, including illegal dumping, illegal camping, illegal fireworks, burnouts and street racing. But a city council resolution hopes to address those problems. KITV4.

Fourth graders name monk seal pup born at Kaimana Beach. Two weeks after a seal and her pup teamed up on a woman swimming off Waikiki, fourth grade students from Waikiki Elementary School on Wednesday gave the pup, PO8, a more apt name: Koalani, or “heavenly warrior.”  Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Testifiers blast TMT project: Opponents dominate National Science Foundation meeting to determine whether federal funding will be used. The first public meeting to determine whether to award federal funding to the Thirty Meter Telescope ended Tuesday after four hours of outrage. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i County Sees Decrease in Processed Firearm Applications. Hawai‘i County had the highest denial rate of firearm applications at 5.6% statewide for 2021, according to data released by the Department of the Attorney General. Big Island Now.

New old buses on the way: County set to accept Honolulu hand-me-downs while awaiting new new buses. Eight more old buses will soon be on their way to the Big Island, with the County Council set to accept the donation of used buses from the City and County of Honolulu. West Hawaii Today.

Kimball, challenger Martinez discuss issues ahead of primary. With only two candidates on the ballot, the race will be decided during the primary election on Saturday, with the council seat going to whichever candidate receives more than 50% of the vote. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Warns Lanai Resorts To Not Block Public Beach Access. The company said it closed the park because of flooding. A resident says the gate stayed shut after the water receded. Maui County has issued a warning and told Lanai Resorts, the company owned by billionaire Larry Ellison, to stop blocking access to Hulopoe Beach Park or risk facing a fine of $100,000, plus an additional $10,000 for each day it goes unaddressed. Civil Beat.

Maui County had record 8,149 firearms registered in 2021. In 2021, Maui County had record high numbers for firearm permits processed (2,938), firearms registered (8,149) and firearms imported (3,763), according to an annual report released today by the Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General. Maui Now.

Maui police seek to crack down on law-flouting dirt bikers. The Maui Police Department is warning the public about a growing and dangerous trend around the Valley Isle. Officers are concerned about thrill-seeking dirt bikers who are blatantly breaking traffic laws. Hawaii News Now.

Final EA published for Kēōkea Farm Lots Association community center. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has published its final Environmental Assessment with a Finding of No Significant Impact for the proposed Kēōkea Farm Lots Association Community Center in Kēōkea on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

DLNR agrees to audit of all large-capacity cesspools, $105,000 fine. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources $105,543 for failing to close an illegal large-capacity cesspool on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.